Bhopal: The investigation into the murder of Rakesh Agrawal, a retired 1982-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has brought fresh details about the background and alleged past conduct of his caretaker, Varun Kumar, who remains untraced 26 days after the incident.
Police investigations have reportedly revealed that Kumar had allegedly assaulted his father following a dispute over his father’s second marriage. Investigators have also received information about an alleged assault involving his minor girlfriend in Punjab, where a case was reportedly registered in connection with the incident.
However, police have not established whether these alleged incidents were connected to the murder of Agrawal, who was found dead at his Bhopal residence on September 30.
The Madhya Pradesh Police have announced a reward of ₹50,000 for information leading to Kumar’s arrest. Around 15 police teams have been searching across multiple states, while two technical teams at the state police headquarters are examining digital leads. A five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was also constituted in October to investigate the case afresh.
Varun Kumar Had Been Living Away From Family for Six Years
According to information emerging from the investigation, Kumar had worked as a caretaker in several cities, including Gwalior, Agra, Delhi and Bhopal. He had reportedly been living separately from his family for approximately six years.
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During inquiries, police questioned his father, who lives in Gwalior, his sister in Punjab and acquaintances in Agra to establish his movements, personal relationships and possible places of refuge.
Investigators reportedly learned of disputes between Kumar and his father over the latter’s second marriage. He is also alleged to have assaulted his father during one such dispute.
Police are separately examining information about the alleged assault involving his minor girlfriend in Punjab, including the reported registration of a case there.
Retired IAS Officer’s Mobile Phone Recovered
Investigators have also been examining the movements and activities of Agrawal’s mobile phone after the murder.
According to reports, Kumar allegedly took the retired officer’s phone after the incident. The Crime Branch subsequently recovered the device, which investigators believe may provide important information about his movements and contacts.
Police are examining several categories of digital evidence, including:
- Call records and messages: To identify people contacted before and after the incident.
- Search history: To examine activity on the device during the period under investigation.
- Banking transactions: To check for transactions that may be relevant to the case.
- Digital contacts and activity: To identify possible associates or leads that could help trace the suspect.
Investigators are attempting to connect information obtained from the phone with other evidence and Kumar’s reported movements after the murder.
Last Reported Location Was on the Agra–Vrindavan Route
Police had reportedly traced Kumar’s last known location to the Agra–Vrindavan road. However, investigators have not disclosed a confirmed location that has led to his arrest.
Earlier reports said police examined footage from more than 500 CCTV cameras and deployed teams across several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab.
The investigation has involved questioning family members, friends and other people who may have been in contact with Kumar. Police have also been examining possible routes and locations where he could have stayed after leaving Bhopal.
Despite these efforts, his whereabouts remain unknown.
₹50,000 Reward as Multi-State Search Continues
The police initially announced a reward of ₹30,000 for information leading to Kumar’s arrest. The amount was subsequently increased to ₹50,000 as the search continued.
The investigation has involved approximately 15 police teams, with two technical teams at the state police headquarters working on digital evidence and other electronic leads.
The search is focused on identifying possible hideouts, tracing contacts and examining information that could establish the suspect’s movements following the murder.
SIT Re-Examines Evidence in the Murder Case
A five-member SIT was constituted on October 21, following concerns raised by the Madhya Pradesh IAS Officers’ Association about the need for a thorough and time-bound investigation.
The team is headed by Assistant Inspector General Umesh Tiwari. Its formation followed a meeting between representatives of the IAS officers’ association and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who also holds the Home portfolio.
The SIT is re-examining CCTV footage and other available evidence while coordinating leads from the investigation. Investigators are also examining the mobile phone recovered after the murder and information about the suspect’s contacts and movements.
Agrawal was found murdered at his residence in Bhopal’s Ratibad area on September 30. Varun Kumar, who had been hired to care for the retired officer shortly before the incident, became the principal suspect after he went missing.
Police have continued their search, but Kumar’s whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding the murder remain under investigation.
